When tea found its way to the West from its Asian origins, the culture around it did not follow. Lost in translation was not only proper brewing methods but an underlying respect for its health benefits and the experience of sharing a cup of tea.
The perfect cup of tea will contain quality loose leaves brewed at the appropriate temperature for just the right amount of time in pure water.
The 4 components of brewing tea are:
- Quality leaves
- Buy the best tea you can find/afford. Low priced tea can be old, sourced from lower quality farms, or stale from improper storage. Tea that’s used in tea bags is heavily blended to maintain consistency and typically contains lower quality tea left over from processing full leaves. Brewing loose leaf tea allows the leaves to open completely, expressing more flavor, aroma and beneficial compounds.
- Buy the best tea you can find/afford. Low priced tea can be old, sourced from lower quality farms, or stale from improper storage. Tea that’s used in tea bags is heavily blended to maintain consistency and typically contains lower quality tea left over from processing full leaves. Brewing loose leaf tea allows the leaves to open completely, expressing more flavor, aroma and beneficial compounds.
- Leaf to water ratio
- Most directions found on retail tea products suggest a teaspoon of tea to 8 ounces of water. This works if the tea is processed into finely cut pieces, but most loose tea leaves vary in size and length making it difficult to measure by volume. Measure tea by weight (typically 4 grams to 8 ounces water) to ensure consistency.
- Most directions found on retail tea products suggest a teaspoon of tea to 8 ounces of water. This works if the tea is processed into finely cut pieces, but most loose tea leaves vary in size and length making it difficult to measure by volume. Measure tea by weight (typically 4 grams to 8 ounces water) to ensure consistency.
- Water quality and temperature
- Foul tasting water yields foul tasting tea. For best results use spring water as it contains minerals that efficiently extract the tea’s aroma and taste. Proper water temperature is important, especially for white and green tea, to protect the integrity of the healthy compounds released during infusion.
- Foul tasting water yields foul tasting tea. For best results use spring water as it contains minerals that efficiently extract the tea’s aroma and taste. Proper water temperature is important, especially for white and green tea, to protect the integrity of the healthy compounds released during infusion.
- Steeping time
- Steeping time varies by type of tea and if not followed can ruin a great cup of tea. Yellow and green tea become bitter when over steeped. Oolong, black andpu’erh become more robust, and herbal tea can’t be oversteeped.
- Steeping time varies by type of tea and if not followed can ruin a great cup of tea. Yellow and green tea become bitter when over steeped. Oolong, black andpu’erh become more robust, and herbal tea can’t be oversteeped.
Enjoying the perfect cup of tea
Experience your perfect cup of tea with a friend or alone as a form of meditation - an opportunity to slow down and enjoy the moment. As you prepare to measure the tea, breathe in the aroma of the dry leaves and see fields covered in tea plants on a sun-drenched day. As water fills the pot, think of any tension you have gathered and release it with the rising steam. As you watch the water changing color slow your breath and imagine your day flowing free and easy. Sipping from the cup, honor the aroma and savor the flavor as it lingers in your mouth passing each taste receptor. With each sip, send out positive thoughts and vibes to those in need of your loving kindness. As you gaze at the bottom of the empty cup, give yourself a virtual hug as you prepare to glide through your day in effortless ease.
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About Tea & Jam
Tea & Jam opened in September 2018 to satisfy the long-held desire of owner, Jack Howard, to offer healthy food and beverages in a welcoming, warm, playful, and sincere atmosphere. All our menu items are vegan, gluten free, and made fresh from fresh ingredients. We invite you to stop in and enjoy our tea, smoothies, cold-pressed juices, kombucha, pastries, and small plate style food offerings. It is located at 1520 North Main Street in Blacksburg, near InBalance Yoga. Learn more at www.teajam.cafe
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